Local church to celebrate anniversary

On Sunday, July 28, at 2:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 501 E. Second St., will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the merger which created the congregation.

The event will also celebrate the 145th anniversary of the congregation, since St. Michael’s, one of the merged congregations, was founded in 1868.

On July 6, 1913, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was formed in a merger of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, which was located about three miles northeast of Kewanee, and St. John’s Lutheran Church, once located at the northeast corner of 10th Street and Grace Avenue in Kewanee.

For several years prior to this merger, the same pastor served St. Michael’s, St. John’s and St. Timothy Lutheran Church of Castleton.

On the 23rd of March, 1912, the St. John’s church building was severely damaged by storm. A congregational meeting was held to evaluate the condition and the future of the congregation.

Due to the cost of repair to the church building, a vote was taken to unite with St. Michael’s and locate at a new site with a new name.

The present church building, on the corner of Second and Vine streets was dedicated on Dec. 7, 1913.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Former members, our brothers and sisters in Christ from area churches, and all friends of the congregation are invited to join in this festive service giving thanks to God for the blessings of the past 145 years and praying for continued guidance and blessing as we step forward in ministry.